: )8 t history or 



lightened, and have in many cases been known 

 to give the first intelligence, of any breach of 

 public orders issued by the Government. This 

 has gained them the esteem of some, and the 

 censure of others ; indeed, several have been so 

 disgusted with the criminal proceedings of the 

 convicts towards each other, that they have 

 sought rather the habits of the former part of 

 their lives, than live with those who would in- 

 jure each other wilfully. It is however, to be 

 hoped, that as the settlements] increase in culti- 

 vation and population, the natives will have bet- 

 ter examples and fewer temptations to do in- 

 juries ; for, there are now nearly One thousand 

 young persons living, all born in the country, 

 who, it is fondly hoped, will become good and 

 useful members of society ; in which case, a few 

 years will remove all those fears, either from 

 mischief to be dreaded from the natives or con- 

 victs, that continually alarm the Government 

 and better sort of settlers. Some of the natives 

 are now very regular in attending divine wor- 

 ship, and even those totally unacquainted with 

 the language, behave with the greatest propriety, 

 which respect, undoubtedly arises from an ex- 

 planation received by them, from those of their 

 fellow natives ; who have not only acquired 

 the language, but can both read and understand 

 the scriptures. How opposite has been, gene- 

 rally speaking, the conduct of the convicts, 

 born in a country where the poorest and meanest 

 of the people are taught the value of the 



